The Diocese of Guildford is being audited by INEQE Safeguarding Group as part of the national programme commissioned by the Archbishops’ Council. The audit will assess safeguarding arrangements across the parishes, Cathedral and Church House, while recognising good practice and identifying areas for improvement against the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Standards.
From the end of October, INEQE will engage with the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, Cathedral and a range of stakeholders, including parish staff, volunteers, parishioners and survivors. This may include surveys, interviews, focus groups and reviews of policies, records and safeguarding practices.
Parishes can prepare by ensuring safeguarding remains a regular PCC agenda item, reflecting on local safeguarding arrangements, and being ready to share examples of both good practice and challenges.
The audit is independent, evidence-based and designed to support continuous improvement in safeguarding across the diocese.
Bishop Paul said: “Good safeguarding practice is not a simple box-ticking exercise. As Christians we are called to protect the vulnerable and uphold their dignity. I’d like to thank you all for the progress that continues to be made, and I encourage you to engage positively and openly with this audit as we strive to make our churches safe for all.”
For questions about the audit, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team on this dedicated email address, ineqe@cofeguildford.org.uk.